St. Margaret’s Can’t Stop Second-Seeded Brentwood in 42-0 Loss

St. Margaret’s went into its Southern Section Division XIII playoff game with second-seeded Brentwood Saturday knowing it would take a miracle to win.

The Tartans didn’t get it as Brentwood, led by running backs Trevor Smith and Nick Harnsberger and linebacker Paul Henry, won, 42-0, at Sawtelle Field in Los Angeles.

Smith and Harnsberger each averaged more than 10 yards a carry and scored on touchdown runs of 34 and 20 yards, respectively. Henry intercepted three passes and returned one 48 yards for a score that gave the Eagles (8-1) a 21-0 lead 7 minutes 33 seconds into the first quarter.

St. Margaret’s (3-6) tried to stay in the game. Receiver Jeff Lowell caught nine passes for 74 yards and the Tartans tried three fake punts.

St. Margaret’s deepest penetration came in the fourth quarter. After recovering a Brentwood fumble, the Tartans drove to the eight-yard line. On first and goal, a mix-up in the backfield resulted in a fumble, and Brentwood’s Charlie Cronin recovered to end the threat. Still, Tartan Coach Brady Lock liked his team’s effort.

“I’m pleased with the way the kids played today,” Lock said. “They didn’t give up and I think we have something to build on here.”